This book is a welcome addition to the literature and follows a line of books and articles produced by Ramesh and colleagues on health policy in Asia and elsewhere. The book has a strong public policy underpinning, which is valuable for those interested in the policy process, policy change, and outcomes. And what better sector (health) and region in the world (Asia) to be focused on to draw a series of case studies against which to evaluate policy frameworks, tools, and progress?
The central premise of the book, as indicated in the title, is the development and application of a policy design approach. This is a very important concept, as the authors note, given the gradual convergence in focus across countries on universal health care and a series of other key health policy goals. The design approach has its roots in design thinking and, for the purposes of the book,...
